Tuesday, 27 December 2016

How are you recovering from the Christmas excess? Was it a Mince pie too far? or did you Bridge over the Christmas pud on the longest gastronomic gut busting holiday of the year?

Well we are enjoying our first proper Christmas holiday ...

This morning I was watching the sun rise on a freezing beach.Yesterday we were with friends, and I was wine waiter for the day. I looked on amazed at a 6am 200 yard queue to grab clothing in a sale - Why on earth ?The day before that we had a great family time, walking and had some fun in the pubThe day before that, I went to see my Auntie and went to church, with SWMBO & Junior. SWMBO cooked us a Polish banquet ...

Maybe ...

You get the general idea - meanwhile ...

New flights:

Lufthansa's budget little brother Eurowings, will be flying from Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg) airport to Skiathos in 2017.

Power disruption:

Due to the bad weather (Surely not in Skiathos) the power is off in Kalivia. Of course if the power is off - This is not much use to you. But when you get back from trying to start the generator - (Wishing you had serviced it back in the summer). At least you will know the reason why ...

PS it should be fixed by 23:00hrs - 'not sure what day' ...

So batten down the hatches, secure those shutters, against the Siberian blast. Chuck another log into the woodburner, or if you are on UK holidays try not to laugh at those, who still on the rock. Some who may well be shivering, and wondering, why has it gone dark, 'no one told me about this' and whats wrong with the aircon?

Back to my holiday break, and looking forward, to a rather nice Merlot, after a couple of dry days

Well I have drunk a lot of coffee today so sleep may not come easy anyway ...

Wednesday, 21 December 2016

In accordance with my own time honoured tradition, I am having a day off. So will be off for a nice cup of Mint tea, and a slice of cake, with SWMBO & Junior some time later. I have a few crazy days ahead, so better pace myself accordingly.

Happy winter solstice, which reminds me, The solstice occurs at 10:44 GMT, marking the start of astronomical winter and the shortest day of the year. So if you are dancing naked at Stonehenge - Well done to you. The sun will soon start climbing in the sky again. So it will soon be summer again.

Remember "A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun" - (Other newspapers are available) ...

Enjoy the trip, and your day wherever you are .....Post Solstice update:
Just for me learned friend in Norway, the famous Stig, as he reminded me of it earlier, and if you read the comments may wonder what we are on about :)

After a six month 'fermentation' and the mother of all struggles getting the lids off, we have just over a litre of raw hooch. Its a dry lemon vodka at the moment and 'pretty good stuff' according to SWMBO and knows about these things, having lived in the woods 'in the deepest darkest days of communism' ...
Next step will be to make a sugar syrup, cool it mix it and bottle the goods ...

Later update ...

Trevor - send me your address, via the usual means. I will get some of it to you, in the next week or so once the strikes are over, and I have recovered whats left of the shed, after the minor mishap in the bottling process ...

Friday, 16 December 2016

Saddened to learn this evening, from Daphne, that John Gill who co wrote the Skopelosnews blog, has passed away, I understand that John had been ill for some time ...

He was a lovely man, and we always had a great banter via E Mail, and a 'beer or two' when he visited Skiathos, en route somewhere, often crewing a yacht as Skipper round the islands

John was the duty journalist, who broke the news for the Daily Express, of the passing of the Princess of Wales. He was the only one that night with an Apple Mac, who could change the front page, and stop the presses on that fateful morning in Fleet Street.

Καλό ταξίδι φίλε to a lovely gentleman, and neighboring island friend. Who will be so sorely missed by all of us, who were lucky enough to know him ...

I found the latest newsletter in an old Yahoo account. Geof is probably getting lots of interesting letters from Russian ladies, as a result of the latest hack ...

Its a great read, and I am sure he will not mind me sharing it here ...

Hello & welcome to the Christmas 2016 Skiathos Newsletter.I have a bit of a gloomy start to this one, but it gets better as it goes along :o)What is happening in Skiathos at the moment? Well, not a lot! Usually, after the season closes, and the locals have money in their pockets, they frequent the cafes, tavernas and tsipouratheka, to meet, talk, eat & drink, in the old Greek tradition of “Paraya,” (company). This is a basic facet of Greek life, good company is what they all seek, and they will spend many hours talking with friends and discussing the latest news (which in these days means, “the latest crisis”). This year, it is very quiet Even though Skiathos has a thriving economy, thanks to tourism, and the locals have money to spend (unlike on mainland Greece), everyone is now afraid of what the future will bring. There is no sign that the “Troika” of the European Commission, European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, will ease the austerity measures imposed on the Greek people, and people are losing hope that their lives will ever get any better. Taxes are going up all the time (VAT was almost doubled on the Greek Islands in the last 3 years, from 13% to 24%!), but the Greeks don’t see any benefit of this. Instead, more belt tightening measures are introduced. But how much can you tighten your belt before you starve? Nevertheless, we in Skiathos should not complain, as we are doing OK. The problem is that the fear is there, so people do not go out, do not invest their money, and stay at home hearing ever more bad news on the TV. The money is not turning over, to create more benefits for all.People who come here on holiday do not see these problems as the locals are always cheery and welcoming, and still have that basic foundation of Greek life, “Philoksenia”, the befriending of strangers. And the tourists are, of course, very welcome. Without them, our lives would be as hard as those of the Greeks on the mainland. Philoksenia comes from ancient Greek times. If a stranger appeared at your door looking for food and shelter, you invited him/her in without asking questions, shared whatever food you had (whether it was a lot or almost nothing), and gave them a bed for the night. The underlying basis for this was that maybe the stranger was a god! By the same token, one of the most heinous crimes back then (& still now) was to abuse that freely offered friendship and shelter in any way. So, when you come to Skiathos for your holiday, know that you are helping many people in many ways, but also understand that you are receiving something of real worth. It’s not just down to sun, sand, and sea, you are receiving the genuine friendliness of a warm-hearted people.In the meantime, that which makes Skiathos so special, is still here. The beauty, the green of the forest, the incredible views, the beaches, the nearby islands and the mainland (where you can find wonderful tavernas), the quieter north sides beaches, the walks on unspoilt trails, the sailing and boating, the water sports, the diving and snorkeling, and the wonderful, affordable food. In all our travels, we have seen some amazing places, with spectacular scenery, beaches many kilometers long, old forests, different foods, warm hearted people, oceans that go on forever, - but Skiathos seems to distill all of these things into one island. When we return here, we always find ourselves saying. “Ah, but Skiathos – this is special!”. We wouldn’t want to live in any other place on the Earth.What is happening is that they are digging up the roads again in Town to get the new water pipes in place, which we hope will eventually lead to the Town water being drinkable again. This will help minimizing the amount of plastic water bottles being used. The recycling company (born out of the ashes of The Green Fox), has been working very well, and is getting many tons of plastic, paper & cardboard, metal and aluminium cans, off the island. The airport will shortly be taken over by a German company so we should have a bit more efficiency there. We hope that they will, at least, fix the toilets! Unfortunately, the new Gym has a problem as no vapour barrier was put down before the parquet floor was laid, and that is now swelling up and becoming uneven. Steps, apparently, will be taken - hopefully before anyone trips up! The roads in Skiathos have now become very good, with the company that extended the airport having used airport grade asphalt when resurfacing. The worst road is now the one to Aghia Eleni, but that is slated to be re done this spring. The dirt roads going to the North side always get eaten by rain in the winter but the plans are to have these all re-graded in the spring time. We are dickering with the Town Council to see if they will give us some material so that we can put more concrete down on our road, particularly on the up and down bits, so that we don’t have to bring a machine every spring to smooth these out. We will put in the labour, if they will supply us with the materials, otherwise it will be too expensive for us.Our bookings for next year in the two villas (www.zorbathes.com) are already very good, and we have not even got to the New Year yet, which is usually the time when we receive most of our reservations. We have upgraded The Barn Villa with a brand-new kitchen and we are planning for a shadier area outside on the patio. The villas rent very well, and the feedback on TripAdvisor is always 5 star! If you would like to share the peace and quiet we offer here, don’t wait too long with getting a reservation in!Real estate is selling steadily and well. We are still far from the heady days of the early 2000’s, but the market is slowly picking up. We are now getting enquiries for plots of land and that didn’t happen for quite a long time. A client is looking for land to build a hotel, so that is an encouraging sign. The Xenia Hotel is being re-built and there are plans to develop all the land around with small villas, each with its own pool. I refer to “we” as I have passed over most of the work in the real estate brokerage to my three Greek partners: a civil engineer and two architects. However, the locals don’t want me to retire and I will almost certainly be a consultant for Skiathos Property for some time to come. See all our properties at: wwwskiathosproperty.comOn the weather front, Skiathos is becoming dryer and dryer. Among the many hats I wear, I am still, basically, a farmer, and we continue to grow a small patch of organic vegetables for our own use (giving any excess to our guests in the villas). So, the weather plays a big role in our lives. Fortunately, the Donald has told us that there is no climate change, it’s just a Chinese hoax, so we don’t have to worry about that any more. This year should have been an olive year (they usually produce every second year), but with very little rainfall last winter (& not much the winter before) the olives couldn’t get enough moisture from the ground to sustain a crop, and all the olives fell off the trees! Although Skiathos now doesn’t rely on its olives for a living, we all miss not having our own olive oil from our own trees. Likewise, our orange and lemon trees have fruit, but they are much smaller than usual, even though I spent a lot of time watering them during the summer. If we don’t get good, long rains in the winter, the trees cannot support a crop. So far, we have had a bit of rain, but our stream beds continue to stay dry and they should be running strongly by now. I worry!We are off to Bucharest for Christmas, to see some friends there, and experience something a bit different. Our daughter Mara will be joining us from Copenhagen at Athens Airport, and we will all fly from there. Christmas is a pretty quiet time in Skiathos, with, fortunately, none of the commercialism that pervades now. New Year’s Eve is even quieter, as it is a family occasion for the Greeks and nearly all (sometimes all!) the tavernas and cafes are shut in the evening. Some bars open after midnight, but that is far too late for old codgers like us!Well, I will leave you all with the sun shining in through my “office” window, the taste of my home made tsiporo (delicious) in my mouth, and the crackle of the log fire in our hearth.I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2017.Regards,Geof.

Thursday, 15 December 2016

Volos appeared as a new destination in the December issue of the official magazine of the company distributed free of charge to passengers of flights! The reply given by the press office of the company with which it contacted magnesianews.gr

Commissioner for European SMEs Matteo Taddei replied as follows:

easyJet would like to apologize for the error that appeared in the December issue of the Traveller magazine. EasyJet is constantly evaluating options for new destinations to its European network, but does not plan to start flights to and from Volos, at this stage.easyJet remains committed to Greece as a key market for the company. It carries over 2.6 mil. Passengers annually and is happy to announce four new destinations from December 13 now reach their 76.
The 'I have it on good authority', and 'my best friend just told me' posts have been swiftly deleted on FB overnight :) ...

Sunday, 11 December 2016

Speculation on the fly to Volos FB page yesterday, appears to have some substance, after all - Original article see: http://magnesianews.gr

'Huge expectations for the tourism development of the area created by the accession of the airport of N.Anchialou to new destinations in the low-cost carrier easyjet based in London Luton Airport. As shown enduring institutions efforts and individuals expressed by collecting signatures online, they paid off and convinced the managers of the company that Volos worth is a destination that will be sustainable, since Greece is a traditional destination for British, while many have chosen the South Pelion for their permanent residence and their business activities. The benefits of course relate to the wider region of Thessaly and Central Greece for the inhabitants of which should be made aware that this airport was created for their own service.The news "popped" when local people passengers traveled with flight company caught hold of the December issue of the journal Easyjet Traveller distributed free of charge to passengers of Easy Jet. There they found that the company has added and Volos, among other destinations, to plan flights reportedly will be announced very soon.As stated speaking in the airport master magnesianews.gr of N.Anchialou Mr. Costas Efstathiou airport, discussions with leaders of the company began in September. Volos was responsible for the Greek airports Dodi Grip who along with the technical echelons inspected premises and airport infrastructure in order to verify the the standard of EasyJet in terms of passenger safety and service aircraft and other issues . As Mr. Eustatius route is expected to start immediately and is probably two per week, probably to London (Gatwick) and Manchester, while not ruled out the inclusion of additional services in the future. The good news for the airport N.Anchialou but do not stop here, as according to Mr. Efstathiou have expressed interest and other companies to start services to and from Volos while avoiding to give more information. The EasyJet today flies to Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Kos, Heraklion, Chania, Santorini, Kalamata, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu'
We shall see ...

Saturday, 10 December 2016

There has been a while since my operation in July. A very tough time for myself, and my family. Another major procedure in my life, and I hope the last one.

Last week I had two appointments at Royal Marsden with my surgeon and radiologist. Both check-ups went well. I still can’t believe that they said I am at least for now, cancer free.

When my surgeon said: 'Your scans are clear Kamila' I asked: Are you sure? Then we had a long chat about my situation now. No one can promise me that cancer will not be back, but I have a chance to live longer without than with cancer.

He gave me some advice: ‘Stop worry about having cancer back’ etc. ‘Just live like every day is your last day’ He also told me it’s normal, that I do not trust the doctors when they say that everything is ok with me, after what I have been through.

I know it is not over. I still have a lot of appointments, check-ups, scans ahead but now I have hope, that I am going to see my daughter growing up, and my husband growing older :)

I am so grateful for all the support from my oncology consultants. Especially doctor Sarah Payne, who was the only one who fought for me, even when others said there was no hope. She said ‘let’s try every avenue’ she sent letters to the other hospitals asking for help. Thanks to her alone, a miracle happened.

My last option, the Royal Marsden invited me for an appointment and a chat. There were no promises but they said: let’s try. But first try another six treatments. Next time they said ‘We will see you in surgery’.

They are no words to thank my surgeon doctor Rasheed, and his team for all what they have done for me. There is no other hospital in UK which makes that kind of procedure, and not many in Europe at all.

I would like to thank all of you for being for me there, when I was in a dark place during a year of Chemotherapy, and toxic drugs. Thank you again and again for your positive thoughts, prayers, messages, emails, letters, cards, flowers, and all positive vibes when I needed them most. I knew I was not alone and so many people, were thinking of and supporting me.

A special thank you to the friends who came a long way to visit, both UK and all the way from Skiathos.

And finally, a big thank to my husband Ian and my daughter Ollie. Without them that would never happened. They stood by me, kept me strong, and never let me give up (even if at times, I really wanted to).

I am going to close ‘Kamila’s fight for life’ page very soon. It’s been four and a half years of pain and surgery. That was a long journey, but it’s time now, to move on and live.

Have a great Christmas everyone, we might even have one too for a change. Thank you all for being there for me. When I needed you most, and could not tell you.

Life is good
Kamila xxx

Later update: 11/12/2016Kamila's fight for life (86 comments posted)Dear friends,WOW! I have never expected response like that. I know the many of have been affected by cancer somehow. I also believe people like happy news, rather something scary or terrible. So, perhaps I made your day, and you certainly have made mine! Thank you all for your kind words, wishes messages and tears. That means a lot to me and I will never forget it! Have a wonderful cheerful Christmas, fulfil it with love, and the company of people who are important to you. That’s what matters for me the most! Have a very Merry Christmas! xx

Without a doubt, the most difficult one I ever had to write on the blog.

Many of you may have seen it and wondered what happened next. Many friends on Skiathos, locals, islanders, the ex pat community, friends of the blog, got together to help.

We were humbled then, and still are to this day, by what happened next.
SWMBO had a FB page, and updated the just giving site. Many people stayed in touch, and followed her journey, and even came to visit.

Later today, SWMBO is going to post you an update here. So you can read (If you wish) about her fight for life ...

If you see the pup with anyone please, please contact the shelter on their FB page or phone the shelter on 6978 436589. The pup has a home waiting for her when she is old enough to travel.

Late News: Jan advises THE PUP HAS BEEN FOUND! I received a phone call a short while ago, she is now happy and asleep by my side at home.

Jet 2 has announced that it will be offering new routes from the UK. Sadly Skiathos is not one of them. However if you ever want to go to Thessaloniki, and take the boat to Skiathos - This could be your year. Click the link for further details ...

The Indian has reopened Saturday the 17th December will be a Buffet night €15 a head, and every Saturday after that. Normal menu the rest of the week ...

Latest news on the cobbles, is that the new Chinese restaurant, is now scheduled to open in April ...

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Which means it not only a special day for the original Santa Claus, its a special day for all those who share the same name day. So Χρόνια πολλά to all the Nikolaos, Nikoleta, Nikos, Nicholas, Nicolas, and Nick out there ...

Its that wonderful time of the year ...

The Skiathos Christmas party season is in full swing - for the children anyway. The schools are holding their annual get togethers for the children,and Santa is a very busy man indeed.Table top sale (Sunday 4th December)

The table top sale, at Milos went very well, but it was a 'Black Friday' rush
When doors opened at 11am, the stalls were mobbed, then almost all were empty by 12 clock ...Skiathos Dog Shelter (FB page)Yesterday at 03:37A very big "THANK YOU" to Lou & Bob for arranging and fronting the Table Top Sale at the Mylos Taverna yesterday (Sunday).and also to those who kindly donated items to our table and came to support us. An Amazing Amount of 370 euros was raised!!!! This amount will help towards the food for the dogs during the cold winter months ahead. Many thanks from us all xxChristmas Bazaar (December 11th)

The annual Christmas Bazaar will be held at the Gymnassium school, on Sunday December 11th from 11am until 5pm.
Its a great social occasion, and time for some souvelaki, and a cup of mulled wine, with the rest of the village ...

Thursday, 1 December 2016

Yes it's December - the official month of acceptable daytime drinking. (Yes I meant coffee) It is the season to be jolly, after the winter blast, that has chilled the island ...

December is the month of acceptable excess ...

- Christmas enters its 4th month in the shops
- Chocolate for breakfast, for the sugar hit, and feel good factor
- Fridge visits triple until you learn the chocolate is on the top shelf, of the adjacent cupboard
- Scissors/sellotape vanish almost and as if by magic
- Mulled everything - Yes why not, you say regardless 'Chin Chin'

Its the first day of Advent, and the last month of the year, just 25 days until Christmas, and 31 more until the 'quietest day of the year' - New years eve, bar the shotguns at midnight.

Its also the last chance to get on a ferry to the mainland, but you will have to shift quick, after the weather related cancellations of the last few days. ANES Proteus is doing a double run to the mainland departing at 07:45 and at 19:00 hrs

The Seafarers union, has called a 48-hour nationwide strike in all categories of ships from 6.00 am Friday, December 2, until 6.00 am Sunday, December 4

Even the boat crew would rather be tucked up on the mainland, until Sunday ...

Sunday, 27 November 2016

The main features of the weather systems which will affect the country for the next 3 days (at least), starting from Saturday noon from W Greece, will be the excessive precipitation (esp. for the "red" areas on the map – for the areas on W Greece, it is valid for Saturday, Sunday & Monday and for the areas on ENE Aegean sea, it is valid for Sunday & Monday) and the severe thunderstorms. Until the evening/night of Saturday, rainfall and thunderstorms will be affecting eastern continental parts as well.

Phenomena will continue till Monday evening at least. Waterspouts are likely at the Ionian sea (mainly on Saturday). A small possibility for tornadoes esp. for Peloponnese and Attica is there for Monday.
Winds will be generally strong, blowing from southern directions and very strong only in C & ENE Aegean sea (up to 75-80 km/h max).
From Monday noon winds will gradually start blowing from NNE and they will be stormy esp. in the Aegean. The temperature will drop considerably and snow will appear also in areas with low or zero altitude in C & N Greece, as well as semi-mountainous areas of SE continental Greece.

Read on - Its a great site, with plenty of great hints and tips, so take time to explore it.

Remember the golden rule Greek food, Moussaká, Stifado, stews and pies always taste better the next day, So after allowing it to cook, leave it to cool. Re-heating works wonders for the flavours to develop ...

Friday, 25 November 2016

Yes me too, so here is a link for some artists impressions, by (HHH Architects) from the site http://kataskevesktirion.gr/ ...

"It is Greek web site, they are Greek, they do write in Greek" For those who cannot use Google translate (Other translation services are widely available) This is what the architects have to say ..."The study involves the construction of a 5 * hotel in Skiathos. The central idea of the study was the search for an original type of tourist facility whose architecture stand for respect and integration into the environment and the amenities offered.The hotel consists of 24 apartments with private pool, garden and terrace. The plot is a amphitheater with steep slope overlooking the sea. The buildings are developed linearly along the amphitheater of the field. The configuration of the relief in the building complex is the basic idea of the project design.The aim is to collate the building with the topography of the field structure, eliminating between their boundaries and allowing a single optical effect, a new topography. The contour per 4m converted into a building with a green roof, swimming pools, terraces and apartments in five different levels .The roofs of the buildings utilized for forming the open spaces of the apartments located in each above level. All rooms have sea view and access to the linear pool. Access is from the side of the mountain. Finally, privacy is ensured by stepwise regression of flats parallel adjustable on the ground, the view and the use of spacers"
Steve in Skiathos and 'Skiathos island News' have been posting regular updates, as the works have progressed during the year. You can see them here ...Renovations at the Hotel Xenia (12/01) ...Renovations at the Hotel Xenia (Update - 28/01) ...Renovations at the Hotel Xenia (Update - 11/03) ...Renovations at the Hotel Xenia (Update - 28/03) ...

Thursday, 24 November 2016

The Hellenic Seaways ferries and the 'Cosmote' sponsored flying cats 5/6, are tucked up in Piraeus, for the worst of the winter ...

Perhaps they have seen the weather forecast ...

Latest news, is that the Skiathos Express will start running on 14th February, after a new coat of paint and the annual engine overhaul. Check for updates on their web site https://hellenicseaways.gr/en/

Over the last few years, they seem to lay their boats up in Piraeus, rather than run them at a loss, during the winter. However the Sporades boats (Appolon Hellas - Poseidon and the Express Skiathos) are due to be handed over to a new company 'Two way ferries.

Both flying cats were withdrawn on 31/10. This means the islands rely solely on the flying Dolphin, for urgent passage to the mainland. Problem being the Dolphin cannot operate in bad weather, whereas the more expensive Flying cat could operate in conditions, up to force 8 beaufort.

Seems the islands have been disconnected, and we know how hard it is to get a phone engineer ...Until then:

The flying Dolphin Erato will oparste from Alonissos to Volos return daily. Sunday to Friday, the Erato will be sailing from the port of Volos at 14.00, Tuesday at 17.00 and Sunday at 15.00, while on Saturdays will not be any service.

ANES Ferry Proteus

According to the 'new timetable' the "Proteus" will be sailing from the port of Volos every Monday at 8 am, Tuesday at 11 am, Wednesday at 16.30, Thursday at 11.30 am on Friday 8:00 a.m., Saturday at 13:30 and Sunday runs the Sporades itinerary - Mantoudi Evia, back and ending in Volos.
a shuttle service will be performed on Monday December 26 and January 2, 2017 on the itinerary Sporades - Mantoudi Evia, while Christmas Day, New Year and Epiphany, there will not be any sailings

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

Yesterday we celebrated the life, of a dear Skiathos friend, John Jackman ...

On a wet blustery day, with challenging driving conditions. The sun appeared as if on cue (A gift from Skiathos) for our friend, as we bade him farewell, and a safe journey ...

We learned of his love of life, music, the nickname 'Mad Dog' and the love affair of his 28 year Skiathos adventure. Still planning a summer return, and looking for a passport, that was in a safe place. Beautiful words from the heart, and his beloved family ...

Afterwards - Much afterwards in my case, after an adventure in the one way system.
I finally made my entrance, after my Monty Python adventure, and met up with friends and family. To raise a glass, and a coffee cup for our absent friend ...

Good to see 'TJ & Fast Eddie' from the Boomerang club - Geoff and as we are on first name terms again. 'Tracey and Steve' the silent surfers from Sittingbourne ...

Yvonne Farouk, Tamara & Nick, you did John proud - Thank you for allowing us to share the moment, with you. John sending us away with a smile, looking on the bright side of life ...

Sunday, 20 November 2016

Today its Panagia Kounistra, the islands festival day when the townsfolk return the miraculous icon, to the monastery at Kounistra, in a pilgramage across the hills on the old paths. The icon which was found in a tree, where the monastery at Kounistria, was built, is going home ...

Most of the village will be walking just after noon, heading up to Acropolis, carrying torches and picnic baskets. Young and Old alike, many of the old ladies will be barefoot. They will be met at Acropolis by men with guns who serenade with a volley of gunfire as the icon and the villagers pass by below. Then climbing up on the old paths to Katsarou, then over the hills, visiting shrines and finally up to Kounistra.

Once at Kounistra there will be a service and the villagers will rest and take Coffee, Tsipouro or make the return to town on the special buses, laid on for the event. Many will stay overnight with the Icon, then return in the morning over the hills to Tries Hieraches at first light.

The Skiathos Calendar by Betsy Barnard mentions ...

21st Panayia Kounistra (The presentation of the mother of god in the temple,

i.e. when she was taken to serve in the temple as a child aged about 12)

On the morning of the 20th the miraculous icon is brought up to the top

church and taken out of the town about 2.30. The bells ring in town at about

1.00. People follow on foot on the old road to Kounistra. At the monastery

of Kounistra an evening service, all night vigil, bonfires food, much

feasting. Buses run to the monastery all evening.

Early next morning, about 5am the icon is taken back along the old road to

town, people following on foot. To Ayia Triada about 8am, down the old paved

road to the Kalo Pigadi and along the main road to the Tries Hieraches.

Service 9 - 10.30 ...

This event is one of the 'must do' events for any true Skiathos Lovers ...

Thursday, 17 November 2016

Students, both young and not so young across Greece, will remember the Students uprising, and actions of the military junta in 1973.

Do read the link to 'A Gael in Greece' here it explained a lot more to me ...

On this day, the children in schools in Skiathos, take red carnations to school. The younger children draw or paint them, and take them home to their parents.

This is in memory of Nikos Beloyannis, A Greek resistance leader, sentenced to death for crimes against the state.

His wife gave him the carnation at court and he kept it throughout the whole trial, through to the day when he was sentenced to death. This image was captured in a sketch by Pablo Piccasso - Man with a Carnation ...

Later Update

The board of the Association of Parents and Guardians Skiathos Gymasium School invites all parents and guardians of school students at an extraordinary General Assembly, tomorrow 18th November at 19:30 in the school hall. Parents and Guardians will be updated on the latest developments on the issue of teacher shortages, discussion of serious issues that have arisen in the school and we will decide together on the actions of our Association. The presence of all, as always it is essential!

Saturday, 12 November 2016

Friday 11 November 2016, Cleaning of the beach of Megai Gialos, activities led by the Cultural association of Skiathos.

The action was, an example of effective and successful cooperation between the municipality, cleaning service, port police, volunteers, the recycling company that operates on the island, and captain Lambros Choumas of the Kalypso, who provided the boat. Proving once again the interest of the society, for the protection of the islands unique environment.

The Cultural association of Skiathos. plans to perform beach cleaning throughout the course of the year, particularly in the northern beaches, where the poor access, and lack of professional activity, makes it very difficult cleaning them.

So launching this initiative with cleaning the beach of Megal Gialos, the unique beauty of which was outlined by Alexander Papadiamantis,in his books.

Many of you will know that a good friend of ours, passed away a short time ago. John Jackman was one of the regular contributors to the Bulletin Board. He was also the 'Father' of the Boomerang club, which I started back in 2006.

He was a Gentleman, and great friend to all of us. Telling us stories of his time on the island, and how he invented the island drink 'Frouzo' - Ouzo with Orange Juice, with the customs officer - Kostas Tsagaris many years ago ...

If anyone would like to make a donation in his memory, to the British Heart Foundation. They can be made through R.High & Sons, Funeral Directors, 1 Bayford Rd, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3AD. Tel: 01795 472958

Friday, 11 November 2016

Will be gathering this morning, and taking part in the annual remembrance ...

If you are on the island, you are welcome to join them. Assemble by the Katsionis memorial, (torpedo on the old port)

The two minutes silence, will be at 11am - everyone welcome ...

For my part, sadly this year. I will be elsewhere ...

My father around 1944, photo taken in Sydney Australia, British Pacific fleet.

He nearly drowned with his best friend, Raymond Smith, who rests in the Commonwealth war cemetery in Trincomalee. The only crew member of HMS Wager to lose his life in the wartime service of the ship ...

After commissioning, HMS Wager served first in home waters and in August 1944 was on the way through the Mediterranean Sea to join the East Indies Fleet based at Trincomalee in Ceylon. By February 1945 she, along with the other ships of the 27th Destroyer Flotilla, was part of the British Pacific Fleet (BPF) under Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser. The BPF worked closely with the US Navy over the months to the end of the war. HMS Wager, like all destroyers of the time (in the days before helicopters), was the workhorse of the fleet, carrying out despatch duties, escort work and picking up downed pilots, transferring them to aircraft carriers and so on. She was fortunate insofar as she was never the direct target of a kamikaze aircraft but he, and others on the bridge and upper deck of HMS Wager, would have seen such terrifying warfare at first hand, many a time, before taking part in the surrender of Japan, in Tokyo bay in 1945http://www.hms-wager.org.uk/

Thursday, 10 November 2016

It was the final day of the World Travel Market at ExCeL London. Its the leading global event for the travel industry, WTM London welcomes all levels of participants in the business, from ministers to us humble bloggers ...

Our man from Skiathos - Panagiotis Diolettas the islands tourism representative, was there, working for Skiathos and he was a very busy man indeed.

He was in great demand, and doing a great job spreading the word about the 'Aegean Paradise' to interested parties from across the world. Panos spends a lot of his time in the winter, away from home, attending the trade fairs across Europe. Promoting Skiathos, and acting as ambassador for the island, on behalf of the Dimos - Skiathos council.

Also present at WTM were the islands major hoteliers, and travel companies, doing business and spreading the word ...

ExCeL was buzzing, and you forget just how big the place is. You could travel the world under one roof. So whilst he was busy, I did, and hopefully my two new friends, from Moulin Rouge in Paris will be visiting the island soon ...

I told them all about the beaches, and as they are both keen swimmers, will be after some lessons from a friend of mine. If they go clubbing, watch out for their high kicks, both the girls were taller than me!

Whilst there, I was 'I know you'd' by Andy from Thomas Cook. Amazing he even took a photo for his Mother in Law, and friend of the blog, Pauline - So 'Good morning to you' down in Staplehurst ...

Next year I will have some signed photos - Just in case.

Quote of the day – Why are you wearing a suit? My answer – Its too wet and cold for shorts ...

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

The worlds greatest (mixed up) nation, appears to have made its choice ...

Even on a planet far,far away, the forthcoming final result was being heard over the airwaves ...

They voted for the alien ...

From Brexiteers to Trumpeteers, Politics has suddenly become more interesting. Clearly, the ballot box is the place to protest - Something they all learned from the Greeks, who started the ball rolling by voting 'Oxi' which finally meant 'Nai' in a ballot box coup ...

Its President Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America ...

Much later update:

America - Help is on the way, now that the 'special relationship' is apparently back on an even keel. You are now first in the queue, for a trade deal, from our man ...

There are some very stressed folks out there ...

Memo to all the Remain & anti- presidential people: The aim of an election or referendum, is to mobilise your supporters ON POLLING DAY, not on social media after the result.

In the morning message me to let me know, if the world is still spinning, and that you all slept well last night ...

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Around 319 million mixed up people are voting, in the greatest show on earth. Watching from the outside, of the goldfish bowl. Its the X factor and Strictly all wrapped up in one.

Book that ticket ...

Only two real choices, Crooked Hilary or Dodgy Donald, the world waits for the people of the 'greatest nation' to make up its mind ...

Tonight one of them is going to say, 'God Bless the United States of America' ...

To think you were worried about Brexit, Article 50, and court challenges, to what the people wanted. One of these candidates, has a finger on the nuclear button ...

Never mind - Only 47 days until Christmas, but at least by then - One of them will have proudly saved a turkey ...Late thought, just in ...Well done Prince Harry, doing more for Anglo American relations, than Obama did, and the two current candidates for the presidency probably ever will ...

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Stories of postcards stuck in down island mail boxes are legendary, some sitting by the till in supermarkets waiting to be posted, They make their way home the following season.

So we have been conducting a test of the system ...

ΕΛΤΑ Greece to UK

Letters:
Four to five days (Posted on Monday)

Parcels:
Sent from Skiathos (Posted on Monday) - 6/7 days

Not bad going at all ...Royal Mail UK to Greece

Letters:
Seven to fourteen days (Posted on Monday)

International track and trace - If you need something signed for.

Posted 18th October (Expected delivery 4/5 days)
Arrived in Athens 1st November - 14 days later, only two more to go to Skiathos

Thinking of sending a parcel? - Post those Easter Eggs now, before its too late ...

UK to Greece the RM post goes via another company GLS. It can end up either in the Greek post office or at the ACS couriers in town. The RM have axed a number of the services to Greece, You either post it, or take a chance with track and trace if its of value.

Which is what I did for a friend in need ...

The RM also do not like the use of post box numbers, which is a shame as most of the folks out of town have one. Its what you do, rather than wait for the guys to sort through the mail, to see if you have a letter, at the counter.

Always best to ignore the RM counter staff, and add a contact number for the recipient, to the outside of the envelope - just in case, if its important.

Again, Which is what I did ...

RM post stops off in Germany, where it seems to take a short break, probably taking in the sights, and probably including the Oktoberfest ...

The RM suggest the last posting date for Christmas is Saturday 10 December. Which based on current form, would be rather optimistic ...

Tuesday, 1 November 2016

Its always a day of memories for me, not least to the friends, neighbours, and the expats of Skiathos, who did so much to help SWMBO in her time of need. Is it really two years since that afternoon in the King and Queen ...

So much has happened to her since that day, we are deeply indebted to our island friends ...

Today is the 'Day of the dead' in Poland, where they remember those that have passed, and visit the cemeteries. Leaving them looking like this ...

Photo: Kamila Rybicka

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Anyone who visits the Skiathos town cemetery after dark, will have seen something similar ...

My learned friend also advises that its the first day of the Skiathos bonfire season, expect smog descending from the hills ...

So today, feeling rather tired after a sleepless night, and not the best start to the month. but almost the same as three years ago. Only this time after a very rare visit to the doctor, has resulted in a series of tests and a cough that would probably shatter glass at 100m ...

It all dates back to a case of Skiathos flu, which hit me like a sledgehammer on 17th March 2013 after the best Apokries party ever. Since then the chest has never been the same again. I knew it was not a good idea to go out last night ...

However Junior was told she was the prettiest pirate ever ...

Anyone who read yesterdays post may like to know the intestine cake, really was quite good. This morning the green face cake, was equally delicious.

Memories ...

PS Today I tried to pay some money into an account in cash - Unbelievably difficult, I thought cash was king. Funds withdrawn, by a friend from a heavily vandalised ATM, where the front screen had been smashed in by a disgruntled customer.
Bring on the 12 sided coin, I know where I am going with them ...

Monday, 31 October 2016

Despite the Americanization of the global sales spectacular, that they have passed to the free world. It is becoming more popular as years pass by. The Greeks celebrate their version though at carnival time.

Apokries is all about dressing up in costumes and having fun like Halloween, only it is celebrated in February before Lent as part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.

Just to keep the free world, and whichever president they feel they have to inflict on us next happy.

Sunday, 30 October 2016

Thanks to 'Steve in Skiathos' and 'Skiathos Island News' for very kindly, allowing us to share the following update, and photos of the ongoing works ...

Steve has been out and about, with the camera, once again, He advises ...

'Xenia Hotel progressing quite well - plenty of windows & doors now and the steps down to the beach have been restored. Mind you, plenty of stuff lying about that has been ripped out and no sign of any work on the bungalows' ...

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Weather webcam

The webcam at Pizza Panorama Skiathos, providing a panoramic view of your favorite island 24/7. The webcam uploads a new image every 20 seconds and you can watch it by following this link: http://meteo.camera/skiathos/